We ensure young children get the best start in life by supporting and regulating the early childhood education and care sector. We are the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population.

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Indicators of abuse and neglect

Risk of harm within the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 relates to the impact of abuse and neglect on a child or young person. The following indicators have been developed from research and clinical experience over recent decades. One indicator in isolation may not imply abuse or neglect. Each indicator needs to be considered in the context of other indicators and the child’s or young person’s circumstances. The lists are not in hierarchical order.

General indicators

The following factors in the life circumstances of the child or young person are relevant when considering indicators of abuse and neglect:

history of previous harm to the child or young person

social or geographic isolation of the child, young person or family, including lack of access to extended family or supports

abuse or neglect of a sibling

family history of violence including injury to children and young people

domestic or dating violence.

Issues for the parent or caregiver affecting their ability to care for the child or young person:

abuse of alcohol or other drugs affecting their ability to care for the child or young person or arrange for their education

a deficiency in functional parenting skills required to provide for the safety, welfare and well-being of children and young people

significant problems in managing the child or young person’s behaviour or their engagement with any educational options

the parent or caregiver has unrealistic expectations of age appropriate behaviour in the child or young person

the parent is experiencing significant problems in relating to the young person

unstable/unmedicated mental health conditions affecting their care of the child or young person

suspected experience/perpetration of domestic or family violence.

General indicators of abuse or neglect in children and young people:

where the child or young person gives some indication that the injury or event did not occur as stated

where the child or young person tells you she/he has been abused

when the child or young person tells you she /he knows someone who has been abused, may be referring to herself/himself

someone else tells you such as a relative, friend, acquaintance or sibling of the child or young person that the child or young person may have been abused

exposing a child or young person to prostitution or child pornography or using a child or young person for pornographic purposes

intentional exposure of child or young person to sexual behaviour in others

ever committed/been suspected of child sexual abuse

inappropriate curtailing, or jealousy regarding age appropriate development of independence from the family

coercing child or young person to engage in sexual behaviour with other children and young people

verbal threats of sexual abuse

denial of adolescent’s pregnancy by family

perpetration of spouse abuse or physical child abuse.

Offenders use a range of tactics including force, threats and tricks to engage children or young people in sexual contact and to try to silence the child or young person. They may also try to gain the trust and friendship of parents in order to obtain access to children and young people.

Child protection

NSW Department of Education

Copyright, privacy and accessibility

This information is current as at 15/09/2019 07:27pm, AEST. For the most up-to-date information, go to https://education.nsw.gov.au/our-priorities/strengthen-teaching-quality-and-school-leadership/school-leadership-strategy-at-a-glance.